Aran Islands Adventure: Your Planning Checklist
A Doolin Inn Guide to a Perfect Island Escape
Thinking of heading to the Aran Islands during your stay at Doolin Inn? Great choice! This trio of ruggedly charming islands—Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr—offers an unforgettable day out filled with dramatic cliffs, ancient forts, windswept beaches, and a peaceful step back in time. And the best part? You can hop on a ferry just 5 minutes from our doorstep!
Before you set sail, we’ve put together a handy planning checklist to make sure you’ve got everything covered.
1. Book Your Ferry – With a Doolin Inn Discount!
Sail across Galway Bay from Doolin Pier with Doolin Ferry Co, the local experts in island hopping. As a guest of Doolin Inn, you get 10% off your Aran Islands ferry ticket. Just ask our reception team for your discount code or book online when you login to the guest wifi at Doolin Inn.
Tip: Book in advance during summer months to guarantee your preferred departure time!
Being just minutes from the pier means you can enjoy a relaxed morning at the Inn before strolling down for departure.
2. Pack Smart – Essentials to Bring
Here’s your Aran Islands Packing Checklist to ensure comfort, style, and a day full of memories:
Comfortable walking shoes or boots
Rain jacket / windbreaker (It’s the Wild Atlantic, after all!)
Layers! – jumpers, light thermals, etc.
Doolin Inn Beanie – available at reception to keep cosy
Sunglasses – when the sun shines, it’s stunning!
Backpack or tote for carrying lunch, camera, and extra layers
Reusable water bottle
Phone/camera – so many photo ops
Cash – some island vendors may not take cards
Swimsuit & towel – if you’re brave enough for a dip!
- Suncream – you never know!
Leave the umbrella at home! It won’t survive the strong Atlantic winds!
3. Choose Your Island Adventure
Inis Oírr (Inisheer) – closest to Doolin, great for a half-day. Don’t miss the Plassey Shipwreck or the beach.
Inis Mór (Inishmore) – largest island, home to Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric cliff fort.
Inis Meáin (Inishmaan) – least visited, ideal for tranquility and authentic local life.
You can rent bikes on all three islands, join a guided tour, or simply wander and soak up the peace and beauty.
Come Back to Comfort
After a windswept day of adventure, Doolin Inn will be waiting with cosy beds, hot showers, and the warmth of Doolin’s hospitality. Whether it’s sipping wine at sunset or curling up with your photos from the day, your Aran Islands experience starts and ends with us.
Why Stay at Doolin Inn for Your Aran Islands Trip?
Choosing Doolin Inn as your base means:
Just 5 minutes to Doolin Pier
A relaxed breakfast before departure
Local ferry discount
Helpful local tips from our team
A cosy return after a windswept Atlantic day
After exploring ancient forts and cliff paths, return to warm showers, soft beds, and the welcoming atmosphere Doolin is known for.
Enjoy a glass of wine in the evening, share your island photos, and plan tomorrow’s adventure — perhaps the Cliffs of Moher or a walk through the Burren.
Ready to start your adventure? Book your stay at Doolin Inn and let us take care of the rest.